Tag Archives: Seattle Esoteric Book Conference

Brian Butler Performs Aleister Crowley’s “The Bartzabel Working”

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We had the privilege of meeting artist Brian Butler at the 2011 Esoteric Book Conference, and again as he came back to town to curate a film festival. Whether it be his evocative films or the ceremonial music performances of Technicolor Skull (w/Brian on guitar/electronics, and the legendary Kenneth Anger managing the theremin and visuals), Brian’s vision and execution is stunning. He should be on your list of artists to watch moving forward.

Earlier this month, Brian and friends conducted a public performance of Aleister Crowley’s The Bartzabel Working. This ritual evocation of Mars entered both occult and tabloid history as it was performed by Jack Parsons as a curse on Church of Scientology-founder L. Ron Hubbard (If you are unaware of the story behind this, and the dawning of the Babalon Current, you need to hit the library.)

Bartzabel Working by Brian Butler from Brian Butler on Vimeo.

Here are some great photos of the ritual, captured by Luke Gilford – http://purple.fr/diary/entry/kenneth-anger-and-brian-butler-s-technicolor-skull-debut-at-l-etrange-festival-paris

Photo from The Bartzabel Working by Luke Gilford

Photo from The Bartzabel Working by Luke Gilford

Returning to “normal”

Posted by blacklotuskult on

We host a number of occult artists and writers at the BLK Kompound as they come to town for the Seattle Esoteric Book Conference. This kept us busy before and after the event, but it was a joy to have our friends near. The 2012 EBC was an absolute delight to attend, and we will get to work on a review for you to read in time. We now need to make room on the walls for new works by Liv Rainey-Smith and Hagen von Tulien.

Following the EBC, we held our annual Black Lotus Kult Celebration. This year’s party was held in honor of Fulgur Limited’s 20 years of publishing. We are proud to have their books in the BLK Library and we are looking forward to another 20 years from Fulgur!

Shiva Mass

Earlier in the day of the BLK Celebration, before the festivities, we performed a version of the Shiva Mass that we received from Michael Bertiaux. In this picture from later in the evening, Kindle Cimmerian performs a Mass closing ritual.

After the Celebration, we found a VERY secluded retreat for our Autumnal Equinox workings. Now we are back home, and ready to start work again. New music, writings and performances will be coming soon and increasing in frequency in the New Year. We will also be posting more pictures from this, and previous year’s BLK Celebrations.